What is the function of a proxy server in a network?

The function of a proxy server in a network is to serve as an intermediary for client requests. This means that when a client (such as a computer or mobile device) wants to access a resource on the internet, it sends the request to the proxy server instead of contacting the destination server directly. The proxy server then forwards the request to the destination server on behalf of the client and retrieves the response, which it sends back to the client.

This intermediary role offers several benefits. It can enhance anonymity by masking the client's IP address from external servers, improve security by filtering requests and responses, and cache responses to speed up future requests for the same data. The caching ability can significantly reduce load times and bandwidth usage, as repeated requests for the same resources can be served from the proxy's cache rather than retrieving them directly from the internet.

In understanding the other options, while proxy servers may contribute to aspects related to speeding up internet access and providing a level of data protection, those functions are not the primary definition of a proxy server. The assertion that a proxy server acts as the main server for all data is also misleading, as the proxy itself does not store or manage the primary data; it simply facilitates the communication between clients and the original servers.